Tree of heaven is a non-native invasive small tree in the Simaroubaceae family. While it is native to China it has aggressively naturalized in many parts of the USA and all areas of North Carolina. The leaves are the best way to identify this tree as the large compound leaves have a glandular, notched base on each leaflet and the serrations or tooths on the margin appear toward the base of the leaf. In spring large clusters of yellow flowers appear above the trees that are followed by winged fruits that are dispersed by the wind or water. They also spread suckers. Pull up volunteers when they are young before they flower, identifying them by the serrations near the base of teh leaves. The tree forms dense, thickets that will displace native species and is tolerant of poor soil increasing its invasive abilities. It will even grow in the cracks of pavement. It is reported to be invasive in natural areas in 30 states across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Very invasive and difficult to eradicate once it establishes itself. Potential host for the invasive spotted lanternfly. Listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council . Choose native trees listed in the left-hand column instead.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand; Shallow Rocky
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
24-60 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in. | Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
1 - Canopy (>40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Entire; Serrate
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, > 6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
18 to 24 in. pinnately compound leaves with 10-41 leaflets that have a glandular, notched base on each leaflet and serrations that appear only at the base of the leaves otherwise the margins are entire. Non-showy fall color. Leaves can have a foul odor when crushed.
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Gold/Yellow; Green
Flower form
Panicle
Flower detail
Large showy 4-7 inch clusters of yellow-green flowers May-June. Flowers may have a foul odor.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Samara
Fruit detail
Large drooping clusters of flat, twisted reddish brown winged seed
Bark color
Light Gray
Bark detail
Smooth, pale gray bark. The wood is soft, weak, coarse-grained and creamy white to light brown in color.
Stem color
Brown/Copper
Stem detail
Twigs are light chestnut brown. Stems can have a foull odor when broken.